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Sauer AK, Hagmeyer S, Grabrucker AM. Prenatal Zinc Deficient Mice as a Model for Autism Spectrum Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23116082. [PMID: 35682762 PMCID: PMC9181257 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23116082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Epidemiological studies have shown a clear association between early life zinc deficiency and Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). In line with this, mouse models have revealed prenatal zinc deficiency as a profound risk factor for neurobiological and behavioral abnormalities in the offspring reminiscent of ASD behavior. From these studies, a complex pathology emerges, with alterations in the gastrointestinal and immune system and synaptic signaling in the brain, as a major consequence of prenatal zinc deficiency. The features represent a critical link in a causal chain that leads to various neuronal dysfunctions and behavioral phenotypes observed in prenatal zinc deficient (PZD) mice and probably other mouse models for ASD. Given that the complete phenotype of PZD mice may be key to understanding how non-genetic factors can modify the clinical features and severity of autistic patients and explain the observed heterogeneity, here, we summarize published data on PZD mice. We critically review the emerging evidence that prenatal zinc deficiency is at the core of several environmental risk factors associated with ASD, being mechanistically linked to ASD-associated genetic factors. In addition, we highlight future directions and outstanding questions, including potential symptomatic, disease-modifying, and preventive treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann Katrin Sauer
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland; (A.K.S.); (S.H.)
- Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland
- Health Research Institute (HRI), University of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland
| | - Simone Hagmeyer
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland; (A.K.S.); (S.H.)
| | - Andreas M. Grabrucker
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland; (A.K.S.); (S.H.)
- Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland
- Health Research Institute (HRI), University of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +353-61-237756
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Hagmeyer S, Romão MA, Cristóvão JS, Vilella A, Zoli M, Gomes CM, Grabrucker AM. Distribution and Relative Abundance of S100 Proteins in the Brain of the APP23 Alzheimer's Disease Model Mice. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:640. [PMID: 31281238 PMCID: PMC6596341 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.00640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2019] [Accepted: 06/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasing evidence links proteins of the S100 family to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). S100 proteins are EF-hand calcium-binding proteins with intra- and extracellular functions related to regulation of proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and trace metal homeostasis, and are important modulators of inflammatory responses. For example, S100A6, S100A8, and S100B expression levels were found increased in inflammatory diseases, but also neurodegenerative disorders, and S100A8/A9 complexes may provide a mechanistic link between amyloid-beta (Aβ) plaque formation and neuroinflammation. On the other hand, S100B, a proinflammatory protein that is chronically up-regulated in AD and whose elevation precedes plaque formation, was recently shown to suppress Aβ aggregation. Here, we report expression of S100A6 and S100B in astrocytes and less so in neurons, and low level of expression of S100A8 in both neurons and glial cells in vitro. In vivo, S100A8 expression is almost absent in the brain of aged wildtype mice, while S100A6 and S100B are expressed in all brain regions and most prominently in the cortex and cerebellum. S100B seems to be enriched in Purkinje cells of the cerebellum. In contrast, in the brain of APP23 mice, a mouse model for Alzheimer's disease, S100B, S100A6, and S100A8 show co-localization with Aβ plaques, compatible with astrocyte activation, and the expression level of S100A8 is increased in neural cells. While S100A6 and S100B are enriched in the periphery of plaques where less fibrillar Aβ is found, S100A8 is more intense within the center of the inclusion. In vitro assays show that, similarly to S100B, S100A6, and S100A8 also delay Aβ aggregation suggesting a regulatory action over protein aggregation. We posit that elevated expression levels and overlapping spatial distribution of brain S100 proteins and plaques translates functional relationships between these inflammatory mediators and AD pathophysiology processes that uncover important molecular mechanisms linking the aggregation and neuroinflammation cascades.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Hagmeyer
- Cellular Neurobiology and Neuro-Nanotechnology Lab, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
- WG Molecular Analysis of Synaptopathies, Department of Neurology, Neurocenter of Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Mariana A. Romão
- Biosystems and Integrative Sciences Institute, Faculdade de Ciências, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Joana S. Cristóvão
- Biosystems and Integrative Sciences Institute, Faculdade de Ciências, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Antonietta Vilella
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Center for Neuroscience and Neurotechnology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Michele Zoli
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Center for Neuroscience and Neurotechnology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Cláudio M. Gomes
- Biosystems and Integrative Sciences Institute, Faculdade de Ciências, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Andreas M. Grabrucker
- Cellular Neurobiology and Neuro-Nanotechnology Lab, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
- Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
- Health Research Institute (HRI), University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
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Vilella A, Belletti D, Sauer AK, Hagmeyer S, Sarowar T, Masoni M, Stasiak N, Mulvihill JJE, Ruozi B, Forni F, Vandelli MA, Tosi G, Zoli M, Grabrucker AM. Reduced plaque size and inflammation in the APP23 mouse model for Alzheimer's disease after chronic application of polymeric nanoparticles for CNS targeted zinc delivery. J Trace Elem Med Biol 2018; 49:210-221. [PMID: 29325805 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2017.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2017] [Revised: 11/24/2017] [Accepted: 12/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
A local dyshomeostasis of zinc ions in the vicinity of amyloid aggregates has been proposed in Alzheimer's disease (AD) due to the sequestration of zinc in senile plaques. While an increase in zinc levels may promote the aggregation of amyloid beta (Aβ), increased brain zinc might also be beneficial rescuing some pathological alterations caused by local zinc deficiency. For example, increased Aβ degradation by metalloproteinases, and a reduction in inflammation can be hypothesized. In addition, zinc may allow a stabilization of the number of synapses in AD brains. Thus, to evaluate whether altering zinc-levels within the brain is a promising new target for the prevention and treatment of AD, we employed novel zinc loaded nanoparticles able to deliver zinc into the brain across the blood-brain barrier. We performed in vivo studies using wild type (WT) and APP23 mice to assess plaque load, inflammatory status and synapse loss. Furthermore, we performed behavioral analyses. After chronically injecting these nanoparticles for 14 days, our results show a significant reduction in plaque size and effects on the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IL-18. On behavioral level we could not detect negative effects of increased brain zinc levels in APP23 mice and treatment with g7-NP-Zn normalized the observed hyperlocomotion of APP23 mice. Therefore, we conclude that a targeted increase in brain zinc levels may have beneficial effects in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonietta Vilella
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Center for Neuroscience and Neurotechnology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Daniela Belletti
- Department of Life Sciences Te.Far.T.I. Research Center, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Ann Katrin Sauer
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany; Department of Biological Sciences, University of Limerick, V95PH61 Limerick, Ireland
| | - Simone Hagmeyer
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany; WG Molecular Analysis of Synaptopathies, Neurology Dept., Neurocenter of Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Tasnuva Sarowar
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany; WG Molecular Analysis of Synaptopathies, Neurology Dept., Neurocenter of Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Martina Masoni
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany; WG Molecular Analysis of Synaptopathies, Neurology Dept., Neurocenter of Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Natalia Stasiak
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Center for Neuroscience and Neurotechnology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - John J E Mulvihill
- Bernal Institute & School of Engineering, University of Limerick, Ireland; Health Research Institute (HRI), University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Barbara Ruozi
- Department of Life Sciences Te.Far.T.I. Research Center, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Flavio Forni
- Department of Life Sciences Te.Far.T.I. Research Center, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Maria Angela Vandelli
- Department of Life Sciences Te.Far.T.I. Research Center, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Giovanni Tosi
- Department of Life Sciences Te.Far.T.I. Research Center, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Michele Zoli
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Center for Neuroscience and Neurotechnology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Andreas M Grabrucker
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Limerick, V95PH61 Limerick, Ireland; Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland; Health Research Institute (HRI), University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland.
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Hagmeyer S, Sauer AK, Grabrucker AM. Prospects of Zinc Supplementation in Autism Spectrum Disorders and Shankopathies Such as Phelan McDermid Syndrome. Front Synaptic Neurosci 2018; 10:11. [PMID: 29875651 PMCID: PMC5974951 DOI: 10.3389/fnsyn.2018.00011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2018] [Accepted: 05/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The loss of one copy of SHANK3 (SH3 and multiple ankyrin repeat domains 3) in humans highly contributes to Phelan McDermid syndrome (PMDS). In addition, SHANK3 was identified as a major autism candidate gene. Interestingly, the protein encoded by the SHANK3 gene is regulated by zinc. While zinc deficiency depletes synaptic pools of Shank3, increased zinc levels were shown to promote synaptic scaffold formation. Therefore, the hypothesis arises that patients with PMDS and Autism caused by Shankopathies, having one intact copy of SHANK3 left, may benefit from zinc supplementation, as elevated zinc may drive remaining Shank3 into the post-synaptic density (PSD) and may additional recruit Shank2, a second zinc-dependent member of the SHANK gene family. Further, elevated synaptic zinc levels may modulate E/I ratios affecting other synaptic components such as NMDARs. However, several factors need to be considered in relation to zinc supplementation such as the role of Shank3 in the gastrointestinal (GI) system-the location of zinc absorption in humans. Therefore, here, we briefly discuss the prospect and impediments of zinc supplementation in disorders affecting Shank3 such as PMDS and propose a model for most efficacious supplementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Hagmeyer
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany.,WG Molecular Analysis of Synaptopathies, Department of Neurology, Neurocenter of Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Ann Katrin Sauer
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany.,WG Molecular Analysis of Synaptopathies, Department of Neurology, Neurocenter of Ulm University, Ulm, Germany.,Department of Biological Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Andreas M Grabrucker
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland.,Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland.,Health Research Institute (HRI), University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
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Hagmeyer S, Cristóvão JS, Mulvihill JJE, Boeckers TM, Gomes CM, Grabrucker AM. Zinc Binding to S100B Affords Regulation of Trace Metal Homeostasis and Excitotoxicity in the Brain. Front Mol Neurosci 2018; 10:456. [PMID: 29386995 PMCID: PMC5776125 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2017.00456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2017] [Accepted: 12/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuronal metal ions such as zinc are essential for brain function. In particular synaptic processes are tightly related to metal and protein homeostasis, for example through extracellular metal-binding proteins. One such protein is neuronal S100B, a calcium and zinc binding damage-associated molecular pattern (DAMP), whose chronic upregulation is associated with aging, Alzheimer’s disease (AD), motor neuron disease and traumatic brain injury (TBI). Despite gained insights on the structure of S100B, it remains unclear how its calcium and zinc binding properties regulate its function on cellular level. Here we report a novel role of S100B in trace metal homeostasis, in particular the regulation of zinc levels in the brain. Our results show that S100B at increased extracellular levels is not toxic, persists at high levels, and is taken up into neurons, as shown by cell culture and biochemical analysis. Combining protein bioimaging and zinc quantitation, along with a zinc-binding impaired S100B variant, we conclude that S100B effectively scavenges zinc ions through specific binding, resulting in a redistribution of the intracellular zinc pool. Our results indicate that scavenging of zinc by increased levels of S100B affects calcium levels in vitro. Thereby S100B is able to mediate the cross talk between calcium and zinc homeostasis. Further, we investigated a possible new neuro-protective role of S100B in excitotoxicity via its effects on calcium and zinc homeostasis. Exposure of cells to zinc-S100B but not the zinc-binding impaired S100B results in an inhibition of excitotoxicity. We conclude that in addition to its known functions, S100B acts as sensor and regulator of elevated zinc levels in the brain and this metal-buffering activity is tied to a neuroprotective role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Hagmeyer
- WG Molecular Analysis of Synaptopathies, Department of Neurology, Neurocenter of Ulm University, Ulm, Germany.,Cellular Neurobiology and Neuro-Nanotechnology Lab, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland.,Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Joana S Cristóvão
- Biosystems and Integrative Sciences Institute, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, and Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - John J E Mulvihill
- Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland.,Health Research Institute (HRI), University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Tobias M Boeckers
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Cláudio M Gomes
- Biosystems and Integrative Sciences Institute, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, and Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Andreas M Grabrucker
- Cellular Neurobiology and Neuro-Nanotechnology Lab, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland.,Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland.,Health Research Institute (HRI), University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
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Pfaender S, Sauer AK, Hagmeyer S, Mangus K, Linta L, Liebau S, Bockmann J, Huguet G, Bourgeron T, Boeckers TM, Grabrucker AM. Zinc deficiency and low enterocyte zinc transporter expression in human patients with autism related mutations in SHANK3. Sci Rep 2017; 7:45190. [PMID: 28345660 PMCID: PMC5366950 DOI: 10.1038/srep45190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2016] [Accepted: 02/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Phelan McDermid Syndrome (PMDS) is a genetic disorder characterized by features of Autism spectrum disorders. Similar to reports of Zn deficiency in autistic children, we have previously reported high incidence of Zn deficiency in PMDS. However, the underlying mechanisms are currently not well understood. Here, using inductively coupled plasma mass-spectrometry to measure the concentration of Zinc (Zn) and Copper (Cu) in hair samples from individuals with PMDS with 22q13.3 deletion including SHANK3 (SH3 and multiple ankyrin repeat domains 3), we report a high rate of abnormally low Zn/Cu ratios. To investigate possible underlying mechanisms, we generated enterocytes from PMDS patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells and used Caco-2 cells with knockdown of SHANK3. We detected decreased expression of Zn uptake transporters ZIP2 and ZIP4 on mRNA and protein level correlating with SHANK3 expression levels, and found reduced levels of ZIP4 protein co-localizing with SHANK3 at the plasma membrane. We demonstrated that especially ZIP4 exists in a complex with SHANK3. Furthermore, we performed immunohistochemistry on gut sections from Shank3αβ knockout mice and confirmed a link between enterocytic SHANK3, ZIP2 and ZIP4. We conclude that apart from its well-known role in the CNS, SHANK3 might play a specific role in the GI tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Pfaender
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Ann Katrin Sauer
- WG Molecular Analysis of Synaptopathies, Neurology Dept., Neurocenter of Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Simone Hagmeyer
- WG Molecular Analysis of Synaptopathies, Neurology Dept., Neurocenter of Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Katharina Mangus
- WG Molecular Analysis of Synaptopathies, Neurology Dept., Neurocenter of Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Leonhard Linta
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, 72074 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Stefan Liebau
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, 72074 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Juergen Bockmann
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Guillaume Huguet
- Institut Pasteur, Human Genetics and Cognitive Functions Unit, 75015 Paris, France
- CNRS UMR 3571: Genes, Synapses and Cognition, Institut Pasteur, 75015 Paris, France
- University Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Human Genetics and Cognitive Functions, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Thomas Bourgeron
- Institut Pasteur, Human Genetics and Cognitive Functions Unit, 75015 Paris, France
- CNRS UMR 3571: Genes, Synapses and Cognition, Institut Pasteur, 75015 Paris, France
- University Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Human Genetics and Cognitive Functions, 75013 Paris, France
- FondaMental Foundation, 94010 Créteil, France
| | - Tobias M. Boeckers
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Andreas M. Grabrucker
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany
- WG Molecular Analysis of Synaptopathies, Neurology Dept., Neurocenter of Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany
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Vela G, Stark P, Socha M, Sauer AK, Hagmeyer S, Grabrucker AM. Zinc in gut-brain interaction in autism and neurological disorders. Neural Plast 2015; 2015:972791. [PMID: 25878905 PMCID: PMC4386645 DOI: 10.1155/2015/972791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2015] [Accepted: 03/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
A growing amount of research indicates that abnormalities in the gastrointestinal (GI) system during development might be a common factor in multiple neurological disorders and might be responsible for some of the shared comorbidities seen among these diseases. For example, many patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) have symptoms associated with GI disorders. Maternal zinc status may be an important factor given the multifaceted effect of zinc on gut development and morphology in the offspring. Zinc status influences and is influenced by multiple factors and an interdependence of prenatal and early life stress, immune system abnormalities, impaired GI functions, and zinc deficiency can be hypothesized. In line with this, systemic inflammatory events and prenatal stress have been reported to increase the risk for ASD. Thus, here, we will review the current literature on the role of zinc in gut formation, a possible link between gut and brain development in ASD and other neurological disorders with shared comorbidities, and tie in possible effects on the immune system. Based on these data, we present a novel model outlining how alterations in the maternal zinc status might pathologically impact the offspring leading to impairments in brain functions later in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillermo Vela
- Zinpro Corporation, Eden Prairie, MN 55344, USA
- Autismo ABP, 64639 Monterrey, NL, Mexico
| | - Peter Stark
- Zinpro Corporation, Eden Prairie, MN 55344, USA
| | | | - Ann Katrin Sauer
- WG Molecular Analysis of Synaptopathies, Neurology Department, Neurocenter of Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Simone Hagmeyer
- WG Molecular Analysis of Synaptopathies, Neurology Department, Neurocenter of Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Andreas M. Grabrucker
- WG Molecular Analysis of Synaptopathies, Neurology Department, Neurocenter of Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany
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Abstract
Apart from teratogenic and pathological effects of zinc deficiency such as the occurrence of skin lesions, anorexia, growth retardation, depressed wound healing, altered immune function, impaired night vision, and alterations in taste and smell acuity, characteristic behavioral changes in animal models and human patients suffering from zinc deficiency have been observed. Given that it is estimated that about 17% of the worldwide population are at risk for zinc deficiency and that zinc deficiency is associated with a variety of brain disorders and disease states in humans, it is of major interest to investigate, how these behavioral changes will affect the individual and a putative course of a disease. Thus, here, we provide a state of the art overview about the behavioral phenotypes observed in various models of zinc deficiency, among them environmentally produced zinc deficient animals as well as animal models based on a genetic alteration of a particular zinc homeostasis gene. Finally, we compare the behavioral phenotypes to the human condition of mild to severe zinc deficiency and provide a model, how zinc deficiency that is associated with many neurodegenerative and neuropsychological disorders might modify the disease pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Hagmeyer
- WG Molecular Analysis of Synaptopathies, Neurology Department, Neurocenter of Ulm University Ulm, Germany
| | - Jasmin Carmen Haderspeck
- WG Molecular Analysis of Synaptopathies, Neurology Department, Neurocenter of Ulm University Ulm, Germany
| | - Andreas Martin Grabrucker
- WG Molecular Analysis of Synaptopathies, Neurology Department, Neurocenter of Ulm University Ulm, Germany ; Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University Ulm, Germany
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